Where to find paint code on Ford?
You’ll typically find the Ford exterior paint code on the driver’s-side door jamb placard. If that label is unreadable or missing, there are reliable alternative locations to check in the engine bay or other panels. This guide explains where to look and how to use the code to match or order paint.
Primary locations to check
The most reliable spots Ford uses to print exterior color information are listed below. Start with the door jamb placard, then check the engine bay if needed.
- Driver’s-side door jamb placard (door frame near the latch) — the primary source for the exterior color code. Look for a field labeled COLOR, EXTERIOR COLOR, or PAINT followed by a two- or three-character code.
- Engine bay radiator support sticker or inner fender label — an alternative location where the exterior color code is sometimes repeated if the door placard is unreadable or missing.
- On some models, a secondary label may appear in the cargo area or on other structural panels. If you can’t find it on the door or engine bay, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer for the exact location for your year and model.
In most cases the door jamb placard is the quickest way to read your color code; if unreadable, the engine bay label is the next best source, and a dealer can confirm from your VIN.
Understanding Ford paint codes
Ford’s paint codes are usually two or three characters and are not the color name. They map to a specific shade in Ford’s color catalog. The exact location and format can vary by year and model, so use the code together with your vehicle’s year/model when ordering touch-up paint.
Code formats
Most Ford exterior color codes are two- or three-character alphanumeric strings. The exact interpretation (which pigment family or finish) depends on the era and model. A dealer or color catalog can cross-reference the code to a precise color name and finish (solid, metallic, or pearl).
Using the code with suppliers
Take the code to a Ford dealer parts desk or an automotive paint supplier. Provide the year, model, trim, and the color code to ensure a precise match. Note that metallics and clear coats may require additional identifiers for a perfect color match.
What to do if you can’t locate the code
If the label is missing or unreadable, try these steps to verify the color.
- Double-check the engine bay radiator support sticker and any other door or hood labels for the exact code.
- Contact a Ford dealer and provide the VIN; they can pull the exact exterior color from Ford’s database and confirm the color name and appropriate paint code.
- Consult a reputable body shop or paint supplier with your year/model and VIN; they can run a cross-reference against Ford’s color catalog to locate the correct shade.
Having the precise color code is essential for touch-ups and full repaints to ensure a consistent finish across panels.
Summary: The Ford paint code is most reliably found on the driver’s-side door jamb placard. If that label is unreadable, check the engine bay’s radiator support label, and when in doubt, consult a Ford dealer or color catalog using your VIN to confirm the exact shade for matching paint.
What if I can't find my Ford paint code?
In the event your manufacturer's label is missing, you can use your vehicle identification number to find your color code. You can either contact the Ford company or look the code up online. Your VIN is usually listed on the lower left-hand corner of the dashboard, just in front of the steering wheel.
Can I use my VIN to find my paint code?
No, you cannot find your car's paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car.
Where to find your paint code
- On a sticker inside the driver's door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE," says CarParts.com.
- On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com.
- In your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner's manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto.
If you can't find the code on your car
- Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer.
- Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify.
Where can I find the paint code for my Ford?
Find your vehicle's paint code located on your vehicle's door jamb label. The exterior paint code will be labeled as EXT PNT followed by two characters. Note: Older vehicles may have more than two characters. Access the Motorcraft Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts.
What part of the Ford VIN is the paint code?
The Ford paint code is not on the VIN plate itself, but on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. To find it, open the driver's door and look for the manufacturer's label, which is often located under the barcode. The paint code will be near a heading like "EXT PNT" and is typically a two-character code (letters, numbers, or a combination).
- Locate the label: Open the driver's door and find the sticker on the door jamb.
- Find the code: Look for the heading "EXT PNT" (Exterior Paint) or similar.
- Identify the code: The two-character code that follows "EXT PNT" is your paint code. Some older vehicles may have longer codes.
- If you can't find it: Check other locations like the firewall under the hood, the owner's manual, or contact a dealership with your VIN for assistance.
